God provided for the needs of each tribe, though in some cases parts of their inheritances were still in the hands of the enemy. The boundaries for each tribe are given and the Israelites were to possess the land by faith, trusting God to enable them to defeat their foes. Some think that if God is to be …
Despite severe suffering the Thessalonians had welcomed their message and became imitators of Paul and Silas (v. 6). The message of salvation, though welcomed with great joy brought the Thessalonians severe suffering because it led to persecution from both Jews and Gentiles (3:2- …
The message of salvation appealed to slaves and many of them became believers. Paul told the slaves to maintain an attitude of respect as a testimony to their unbelieving masters (vv. 1-2). If a master is a Christian, they should give even better respect to him. The danger was that a Christian …
Malachi’s message up to this point has been bleak indeed. The Jews have spurned the love of God. But the hour of reckoning is about to come (v. 1). At the Messiah’s appearing God will intervene in a never to be forgotten fashion in Jewish history. Wrong will ultimately be avenged and the …
Much of this chapter speaks of preparation being made for the coming of the Lord and for the restoration of His people. The Lord announced that He will continue to work on Jerusalem’s behalf until her righteousness, salvation, and glory are observed by the rest of the wor …
This portion of Scripture shows the importance of being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading to be in the right place, at the right time. Philip who was engaged in a very successful evangelistic work in Samaria, was prompted by the Spirit of God to interrupt this ministry and go to the Gaza Road …
Jehoshaphat followed the reign of his father, by removing heathen worship and sent out teachers all over Judah to instruct the people in the law. He took pride, not in his riches and honor but in the ways of the Lord. In effect, he sent out the first itinerant Bible teaching team to be sponsored …
“Where is wisdom found?†is Job’s key question (vv. 12, 20). To answer his own question he states that it can not be found among the living (vv. 13-14). Job asked this question because he was weary of the cliches and platitudes that his three friends were giving …
The Pharisees were strangers, but Christ knows His sheep (vv. 14-16). Christ has a relationship with the sheep similar to His relationship with His Father. Jesus will bring other sheep (both Jews and Gentiles) into his flock (v. 16). Jesus will take up his life again. His death will be followed by …
In three short passages Jesus characterizes the times. Things are not going to go smoothly. Jesus’ ministry will bring division (vv. 49-53). But anyone who is observant can read the times and know that God is at work (vv. 54-56). Most importantly, the disciples had better set …